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I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Art Therapist working with children, adolescents, and adults. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Minor in Art and earned my Master of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University.

I am passionate about helping others overcome challenges and understand the inner workings of their minds, empowering them to create positive changes in their lives. I’ve completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Advocacy Core Training.

I work with individuals, children, and families, helping them rebuild life skills while addressing mental health challenges. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of South Florida and earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I am bilingual in both English and Spanish, and I’ve worked extensively with Hispanic families, making me uniquely suited to address their specific needs.

My additional training includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Integrative Harm Reduction Techniques, and I’m currently undergoing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I grew up in central Florida and earned my Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. During graduate school, I gained experience working in a treatment facility and with college students at USF, advocating for children’s educational needs while they balanced mental health treatment. This exposure led to my interest in behavior-focused therapy, particularly in using exposure techniques.

I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, Tourette's, and disordered eating.

Hi! I am a fully licensed mental health therapist. I have been in the business of helping people for over 15 years. I am direct and solution oriented, but will not rush the process.

I have a BS degree in Health Science from San Jose State University and an MSW degree from the University of Southern California. Yes, I’m originally from California. I’m a licensed clinical social worker in both California and Florida. I was first licensed in 2003. For the first ten years of my practice, I worked with children, adolescents, and families.

I have over eight years of experience supporting individuals whose mental health is affected by health and medical issues. Finally, I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

I am experienced in addressing eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma. I have assisted those with substance use challenges, and people simply ready to make some changes. I am a supportive, compassionate counselor and am ready to process your thoughts and feelings with you, to help you live the life you want to live.

Tara Payne is the owner and founder of Payne Influential Mental Health. She is a board-certified

Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (PMHNP). She obtained her Master of Science in

Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Tara has been a Registered Nurse for almost 20

years in which she has been devoted to helping and treating patients with a variety of conditions.

She has specialized in critical care, mental health, and several other acute care specialties. Tara is a Perinatal Mental Health provider through PSI (Postpartum Support International) as well as a Trauma Certified provider. Tara has learned how vital mental health is when it comes to treating a patient as a “whole” person. This has driven her passion to help serve the mental health community and those in need of mental health management.

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As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have spent the last eight years working with “at-risk” children and adolescents, referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Diversion programs. I currently work with the Genesis Women’s Clinic assisting antepartum and postpartum moms suffering from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, the Family Care Clinic providing Behavioral Therapy to families and adults, and the Pediatric Clinic at TGH Healthpark.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from USF. My therapeutic approach is influenced by my clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

I am a Masters-Level Clinician providing individual and couples counseling both in-person and via telehealth. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eckerd College and my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honors Society, the American Counseling Association, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

My experience allows me to work with individuals seeking to improve their mental health. I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, and college students dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and trauma.

Many of my clients look like they have it together—but inside, they feel stuck, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed in their relationships. I help adults untangle painful patterns rooted in emotional neglect, people-pleasing, or past relationships that felt confusing or unsafe. Together, we’ll slow down, go deep, and help you get to the root of the issue.